Overview

Job Summary The Peers Empowering Peers program serves people with significant substance use and co-occurring mental health needs. The Peer Specialist works in collaboration with the individual's assigned treatment provider to ensure that they are addressing needs and goals within the individual's treatment plan. The Peer Specialist meets with each individual weekly and advocates with the person to meet their identified needs. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Committed and skilled at engaging people through a strength based, trauma informed, person centered, and culturally intelligent approach. This position has a strong focus on engaging people in care and services. Focused on providing comprehensive care to meet the person's needs, as outlined in the person's treatment plan. This could include but is not limited to treatment needs, medical/dental, housing, legal, financial, benefits, food/clothing, and/or social needs. Document all interactions, collateral contacts, and activities specific to the individual's care and treatment in the electronic medical record. Facilitate completion of the Brief Addiction Monitor (BAM) assessment tool at both enrollment and disenrollment. Uphold and promote a positive, strength based, and supportive culture. Maintain confidentiality within all written and verbal communications. Link individuals to a variety of self-determined supports and services, including traditional mental health services such as case management, psychiatry and individual therapy, mutual aid support groups, natural supports and discover other kinds of healing and/or purposeful activities that may contribute to the recovery process. Provide transportation and attend appointments with the person. Advocate with the person to met identified needs. Have contact with individuals enrolled in the program a minimum of four times per month; ideally, all four contacts are weekly face to face contacts. Provide 1:1 peer support services to people in the community (including their home and other community-based locations). From a recovery perspective, provide a strength-based review of an individual's abilities, strengths, and assets. Encourage individuals to become the expert of their own lived experiences and develop voice and choice around service participation to be empowered in their recovery. Utilize Active listening and positive communication skills. Attend and participate in staff meetings and weekly or bi-weekly clinical supervision. Required Qualifications High school or GED/HSED required; must be a graduate of state Certified Peer Specialist training. Possession of current Certified Peer Specialist certification is preferred. Minimum of 1 year of experience serving individuals with substance use, mental health, and/or co-occurring needs. Valid driver's license, automobile, and insurance sufficient to meet agency requirements is necessary. Meet all the employee requirements including references, criminal background check, drug test, and driver's license check. Program specific knowledge: Personal experience with being in recovery and having lived experience with mental health and/or substance use needs. Comprehensive knowledge of recovery principles. General knowledge of substance use treatment resources in Milwaukee County, Medication Assisted Treatment, and evidence-based practices. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Communication - ability to provide information effectively with a diverse population - the persons we serve, supervisor, colleagues, and program partners in writing and oral communications. Technological Aptitude - Ability to use general technological skills throughout daily job i.e., Email, Internet, Microsoft Excel, AWARDS, Avatar NX. Managing Priorities/Deadlines - Ability to maintain schedules, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects. Problem-Solving Skills - Ability to think critically and be solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment and adapt to program changes and challenges. Adaptability - Abi